OWENSBORO, Ky. (8/1/13) -- Cheryl Kreke began her leadership for Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU) in her freshman year of college at Eastern Kentucky University. Not only did she make her closest friendships, but she also found it was good for her spiritual growth.

All throughout her college years, she was challenged to lead teams of girls in bible studies, and weekly music meetings and she loved playing the violin while serving Jesus Christ. In 2010, she went to Milwaukee, WI for eight weeks to serve God and the poor in the inner-city. The trip gave her real insight on what life is like in a diverse community; she learned the lingo, about poverty, and more.

“I found what it really looked like to walk with the Holy Spirit,” Kreke said.

After she graduated from EKU, Kreke wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with her psychology degree; she wasn’t sure she was ready for the work force or a graduate program. An internship with Cru, “Here’s Life Inner City”, sparked her attention when she realized she could go back to Milwaukee to help serve those she helped before.

Kreke became very close with sisters who were 15 and 16 years-old and were part of a family of 13 children. She was excited to be part of their lives and get them excited about their futures. She would “walk beside them”, helping them make decisions for college and careers.

Last summer, Kreke earned the amount it took to send her to Milwaukee for the second time through family, friends, church members, and local Owensboro residents. She said that people with less money tended to give more as a “matter of heart”.

“It‘s really cool to have people interested in wanting to give,” Kreke said.

12 percent of the money raised goes administration costs and 88 percent goes to personal costs like living expenses. The funds make it easier for her to reach out to other young girls, funds bible studies that Kreke leads, and helps local churches and outreaches for the community to find Jesus.

Kreke is now raising money to go to Milwaukee for a third trip for Sept. 2013 to July 2014.

“It’s hard to be back here when I know there’s so much to do back there,” Kreke said.

If you would like to help Kreke in her crusade to Milwaukee, you can give gifts at www.give.cru.org and use her account number: 0660177.